Mary Ellen sat on the bed and clasped her father’s withered hands and told him how much she loved him. By then Boyd could not speak, but his hand clasped hers. His Snookums was with him. Mary Ellen sensed how very tired her father was. She leaned over and whispered that she knew he had been waging a mighty battle to hold on until she arrived. “You know, Dad, it’s okay. If you want to go ahead, go. It’s okay.” With tears coursing down her cheeks she told him that he should find the rest and peace he so desperately needed. “It’s okay, Dad.” A moment later, at about 5:00 P.M., Boyd smiled. His
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